On its home court, Orlando had the opportunity to tie up the 2009 NBA Finals. Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher had another idea.
As with most nights, Bryant was the engine of the Lakers’ offense. He led the way with 32 points (despite needing 31 shots), while also throwing in eight assists and seven rebounds.
The master of hitting contested shots, Bryant was able to cash in the face of tough defense from Mickael Pietrus.
Bryant averaged 32.4 points and 7.4 assists throughout the series, earning himself Finals MVP honors.
On this night, it was his mid-range game that stung Orlando, as Bryant routinely sunk tough jumper after tough jumper.